Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Discretionary annual bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Irvine is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to provide technical leadership in designing and developing complex optical systems. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in optical product design, a strong foundation in optics and proficiency in tools like Zemax. The position offers a salary range of $175,000 to $195,000 per year along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development.
• Must have hands-on experience with optical alignment and common test instruments.
• Familiarity with mechanical tolerances and systems integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems.
• Manage integration of optical components with mechanical and electronic systems.
• Lead physical realization of designs on the optical bench.

Skills

Optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools

Optical alignment and optical metrology

Strong foundation in optics and photonics

Hands-on experience with common test instruments

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics

Graduate coursework in related fields

Tools

Zemax

Beam profilers

Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs)

Power meters

Interferometers

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS

MKS Systems Irvine is growing very rapidly with significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting‑edge, high‑precision optics, opto‑mechanical assemblies, fiber optic module assemblies, and systems. To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer.

In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and development of complex optical systems by coordinating cross‑functional development activities. If you have a passion for working with cutting‑edge technology, this is the role for you!

You Will Make an Impact By

• Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems. Utilize industry‑standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free‑space and fiber‑optic configurations.
• Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc. Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems.
• Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench. Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.

Skills You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.
• 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development.
• Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber‑optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools.
• Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers).
• Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto‑mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces.
• Effective communication skills for working cross‑functionally and documenting technical work.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Personal Protective Equipment and cleanroom garb are required.
• Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment.
• Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE.
• Travel requirements: up to 5‑15% travel, including international travel.

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for this role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS.

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EEO statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.